MEDPREP Applicant Information

MEDPREP Mission

The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Medical and Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP) is an intensive two-year academic enhancement program designed to help socioeconomically disadvantaged students and educationally disadvantaged students improve their academic credentials for medical or dental school entry.

Next class begins: 

Applications for the Class of 2026 (2024 entry) will open October 1, 2023. Orientation for the Class of 2026 will be June 14, 2024 and classes will begin June 17, 2024. 

Program format: 

MEDPREP utilizes a cohort model, and all students start the program in the summer semester. The MEDPREP program is 5 semesters: the six-week summer program is followed by two academic years. Summer classes between year 1 and year 2 are optional for most tracks and programs. 

Enrollment options:

Students choose the pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-physician assistant (PA) track. Students can complete either the traditional sequence, or may enroll in the concurrent master’s degree program. All program tracks are 5 semesters in length (summer, plus two academic years). This is an on-campus program in Carbondale, IL. We do not have an online program option. 

Admissions Process:

MEDPREP accepts up to 36 students per year. Applicants must be US citizens, Permanent Residents, or DACA status. All application materials are emailed to the program directly. Do not apply via the SIUC application portal. Competitive students will be invited to attend a virtual Admissions Day, which includes interviews with MEDPREP faculty. Students accepted into the program will be offered an opportunity to visit MEDPREP in-person prior to the admissions acceptance deadline. 
 

Students must meet the following minimum qualifications for application. Please note that the admissions process is competitive, and meeting minimum qualifications for application does not guarantee an invitation to Admissions Day or program acceptance.

• Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5. 
• Science course (mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics) GPA of 2.5.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card), or DACA status.
• Completed all, or all but one medical school prerequisite course (one year introductory biology with laboratory, one year general chemistry with laboratory, one year organic chemistry with laboratory, one year physics with laboratory). A semester of biochemistry, and a semester of either introductory psychology or introductory sociology are recommended but not required. 
• There is no fee to apply to the program. An SIUC application processing fee is charged only if you are admitted to MEDPREP.
• While our recruitment strategy focuses on the State of Illinois and contiguous states, we welcome inquiries and applications from students nationwide.

Application Material Checklist:

• Completed MEDPREP application form and MEDPREP applicant demographic form.
• Two letters of recommendation. 
• Official transcripts from each college or university attended. 

For exact application deadlines and to download application forms, visit the Apply page. 

Program Costs:

MEDPREP traditional track students enroll at SIUC undergraduate program rates. SIUC has "flat rate" undergraduate tuition for students from all U.S. states. For students pursuing a concurrent Master's Degree in Biological Sciences, the graduate tuition rate will apply. Please note that residents from IL and a number of nearby states and counties pay in-state graduate tuition, but out-of-state rates will apply to applicants from most other US states. For more on SIUC tuition, fees, and budgeting, please visit:

• SIUC Estimated Costs and Budgets Page (downloadable estimated budget sheets).
• SIUC Tuition and Fee Calculator and information page. 

Admissions questions? Please contact our Admissions Office. 

MEDPREP Admissions Office
Trent F. Stevens, MEd, MA
Admissions Coordinator
MEDPREP Office of Admissions
Southern Illinois University
210 Wheeler Hall, Mail Code 4323
975 South Normal Avenue
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-1554